'15/16 Week 34

This was probably one of the busiest weeks we have had. Saara was still recovering from her cold, but she felt well enough to play for her softball team at two games, and give a stellar performance with other girls at the ballet recital. We also packed in as much schoolwork as we could. 

Science. Andrew built a different kind of a compass. This one is more accurate than the hair-line one.

Cactus is in bloom!

'15/16 Week 33

The finish line is in our sights. Just a few more weeks before our school adventures for this year will be over. The learning adventures will never stop. 
The week was busy as usual, but besides baseball and softball, choir, chimes and bells, and ballet, nothing earth-shattering happened. The kids had a fun afternoon going berry picking with their friends, and helping Dad start building their tree-fort. Andrew was a big help measuring lumber, according to Dad. Good, he is putting his math skills to work.

Math. Fractions.

Science. Saara has been reading about different kind of machines. Today, she learned about the milking parlor. 

A tweety surprise in the kids' outdoor toy box. It took only a few more days before the chicks left their nest.

Science. Saara learning how water can conduct electricity. We also went over some safety rules about water and electricity.

Saara using the salt water to complete the circuit and making the buzzer work.

Math. She has her times table mastered!

Onto the line of symmetry!

We finished examining the microscopic world around us.

And whoo are you?

Dewberry time yields lots of yummy treats.

'15/16 Week 32

This week was one of the saddest weeks we have had. A good friend of our family passed on. I shortened our school days on couple of days so we could go to see the family, pass our condolences, and attend the funeral. Andrew and Saara have been to a few weddings, but this was the first time they were at a funeral. I believe, they are now old enough to comprehend the sadness, the solemnity and reverence of the occasion, and the importance of supporting and comforting those who are mourning.

Science. Andrew mapping a magnetic field.

Strong winds had broken a branch with a bird's nest. Two chicks were dead but one survived. We made a nest for the baby bird. The next day, we found out the funny looking chick was a woodpecker baby. The parents found him and were feeding him.

Saara discovering that electricity can not only make light, but also sound.

Dewberry time has arrived.

Recent rains kept us away from the ball park, but we are back now.

'15/16 Week 31

What a busy week it was! We had lots of baseball/softball practices and games. Saara's performance has improved mightily this season, and she thinks about moving up to the next level next year. I have not been able to go to any of Andrew's games yet. Their team has been winning every game so far. So, they must be doing something right.
Academically, the week was busy, too. Andrew finished his introduction to WW II, and we will start reading about the post-war world. Saara has been learning about the Industrial Revolution and the changes it brought along in the world. Both of them started to memorize the names and locations of the states. 

Science. Saara learning about series circuits.

and paralllel circuits.

Saara making her own owl with parallel circuit eyes, and Andrew answering his science questions.

LA. Describing a book character.

'15/16 Week 30

All our evenings are spent at the ballpark. It has been incredibly busy, but we are loving it. The school gets done at a normal speed. We have just a handful of weeks left, and we are already feeling that the end of the year is not far. Saara finished her Phonics workbook we have been working on since August. Andrew took another math test and did very well. My decision to slow things down in math was a good one. Andrew is doing much better; he more focused and understands better. So thankful that I can set my own pace when teaching. 

Science. Saara learning about flashing lights.

We built a small model of a lighthouse with working (flashing) light.

We spent one whole morning examining flowers, learning the different parts and their functions.

Andrew playing the bee who pollinates the flower.

We looked at the powdery pollen under the microscope.

We also looked at some algae from the pond. It had a couple of living things squirming around.

LA. Done with this book.

The Opening Day. Saara played her first game.